Eden in a schoolyard

It looks like part of the world-famous Eden Project. In fact, it is a London schoolyard.

This is the once-failing Kingsdale School in Dulwich - transformed by a £12million experiment to see if innovative architecture can boost pupils' results and behaviour.

Teachers say it is working with pupils taking more pride in their school, showing a desire to learn and fast improving their exam scores. The Government is so impressed it could offer funds to other schools keen to update buildings.

The two-year project gave the Kingsdale playground a state-of-the-art roof that controls temperature, light and humidity, so pupils can enjoy a Mediterranean climate whatever the weather outside. It has made the secondary school, which once recorded 200 exclusions a year, one of Britain's 20 most improved, and has attracted a ?16 million grant for a new sports centre and arts facilities.

"It's about pupils' self-esteem," said head Steven Morrison, who took over when inspectors put the school on special measures in 1998. "We have given the place a heart." Deputy head Cathy Bryan added: "The school was very dilapidated and past its sell-by date. Now the environment is really pleasant and, in terms of results, we buck the trend every way."